Why Make This Recipe
Steak Queso Rice is a delicious and hearty meal that combines the best flavors of tender steak, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice. It’s perfect for families, gatherings, or a cozy dinner at home. With simple ingredients and easy steps, anyone can whip up this flavorful dish. Plus, it’s versatile, allowing you to add your favorite toppings, making it a crowd-pleaser!
How to Make Steak Queso Rice
Ingredients:
- 1 lb steak strips (sirloin, flank, or ribeye)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
Directions:
Step 1: Cook the Rice
In a medium saucepan, bring beef broth, butter, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to a boil. Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Steak
In a bowl, season the steak strips with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from heat and let the steak rest for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Queso Sauce
In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream over low heat. Add cream cheese and stir until melted. Gradually add cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring constantly until smooth. Mix in garlic powder and cayenne pepper for extra flavor and keep warm on low heat.
Step 4: Assemble the Steak Queso Rice Bowl
Divide the cooked rice into serving bowls. Top with steak strips, then drizzle generously with queso sauce.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Add optional toppings like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, jalapeño slices, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
How to Serve Steak Queso Rice
Steak Queso Rice is best served hot. You can serve it in bowls, allowing everyone to mix their ingredients as they like. It pairs well with sides like tortilla chips or a fresh salad. Enjoy it with family or friends for a delightful meal!
How to Store Steak Queso Rice
If you have leftovers, store Steak Queso Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If you want to keep the flavors fresh, store the queso sauce and the steak separately from the rice.
Tips to Make Steak Queso Rice
- Choose Quality Meat: Use fresh steak to add more flavor to your dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Rice: Make sure to fluff the rice after cooking to keep it light and fluffy.
- Experiment with Toppings: Try adding guacamole, olives, or different types of cheese to make it your own.
Variation
Feel free to make Steak Queso Rice with chicken or shrimp instead of steak. You can also make it vegetarian by using beans and vegetables in place of meat.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but it may take longer to cook and require more liquid.
2. Can I freeze Steak Queso Rice?
Yes, you can freeze the components separately. The rice can be stored for up to three months, but the texture may change after thawing.
3. How spicy is this recipe?
The recipe can be adjusted by omitting the cayenne pepper for a milder version, or you can add more jalapeños for extra heat.
Steak Queso Rice
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium saucepan, bring beef broth, butter, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to a boil.
- Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- In a bowl, season the steak strips with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the steak and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked to your desired doneness.
- Remove from heat and let the steak rest for 5 minutes.
- In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream over low heat.
- Add cream cheese and stir until melted.
- Gradually add cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring constantly until smooth.
- Mix in garlic powder and cayenne pepper for extra flavor and keep warm on low heat.
- Divide the cooked rice into serving bowls.
- Top with steak strips, then drizzle generously with queso sauce.
- Add optional toppings like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, jalapeño slices, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!